In the late 1990s, Kay Henry had an idea. An avid paddler with a healthy dose of drive, Kay dreamed of creating an easily accessible “water trail” throughout the Northeast. To do so, she began fundraising efforts—first through corporate support from the Outdoor industry, then through four years of Federal funding to build the trail. In time, she raised over $1 million to turn her dream into a reality.

Less than a decade later, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a nationally recognized paddling destination that runs 740 miles through towns in New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire and Maine. Kate maintains and manages the trail with the help of highly skilled staff and over 300 community volunteers.

Inspired by the trail’s success, Kay is also working on educational programs to encourage future generations to do the same.

A passionate, outdoorswoman who doesn’t take “no” for an answer, Kay holds a deep commitment to making a difference. She is the driving force behind the grass-roots effort that has created this recreational treasure.